Philadelphia's Ben Franklin & Betsy Ross Wedding

On July 3 at 8 P.M., Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross got married. Decked in colonial garb, the couple exchanged vows in a public ceremony at Independence Hall. In reality, Ralph Archbold, the city's nationally recognized Ben Franklin re-enactor, fell in love with Linda Wilde, who often portrays Betsy Ross, and they decided to get married. The star power doesn't end with Ben and Betsy. Mayor Michael A. Nutter officiated the ceremony, and the Grammy Award-winning Peter Nero and the Philly Pops provided the wedding soundtrack for this historic event. Fitting for such a ceremony, Archbold and Wilde exchanged rings engraved with a kite and key and stars and stripes, symbols representing the historic characters they play. After the ceremony, the couple headed to the historic City Tavern, one of Benjamin Franklin's favorite restaurants, for a private reception with family and friends.